Pittsburgh looks at the stars

When the nights and lights of Oakland can’t satisfy the hunger for grandiose and… When the nights and lights of Oakland can’t satisfy the hunger for grandiose and breathtaking sights, the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh offers a journey through the evening sky during its free, public Star Parties.

Certainly differing from the general Pitt student notion of the word, these Star Parties are held regularly at the Nicholas E. Wagman and Mingo Creek Observatoriesin Deer Lakes Park, which is only 45 minutes outside Pittsburgh. The Wagman Observatory is open to the public at various times over the course of the month. The observatory is site to the meetings of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh where many of the group’s 500 members gather en masse to gaze at the moon’s face, star clusters, planets and, occasionally, a space shuttle.

“Wagman is our oldest facility and is home of the historic Breshear 11-inch Refractor Telescope and the Manka Memorial 20-inch Reflector Telescope,” member John Mozer said.

The group owns and operates the Wagman Observatory, the only such arrangement in western Pennsylvania, and offers two telescopes for public use during Star Parties.

“Several members will set up telescopes on the lawn outside the observatory and invite people to view night-sky objects through them,” said Mozer. “This provides an excellent opportunity for the public to talk with these members about their telescopes and about astronomy.”

These Star Parties include volunteers who offer to educate any interested attendee about telescope operation, facility attributes or astronomy in general. Tom Reiland, Wagman Observatory director, gives guided tours of the night sky throughout the evening, and members offer their personal telescopes to observers in need.

“The atmosphere is very friendly,” Mozer related. “Our members are delighted to share their love of astronomy with others.”

Founded in 1929, the AAAP has dedicated 78 years to astronomy as a hobby and a science.

“Providing education about astronomy is the primary mission of our observatory Star Parties and other events, such as private star parties and monthly general meetings,” said Mozer.

“In addition, the AAAP is a member of the Night Sky Network sponsored by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and managed by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, which provides excellent educational materials for presentations to the public,” he said.

The group provides an increasingly rare opportunity for urbanites and campus dwellers: the chance to gaze at the night sky unobstructed by light pollution. Plus, the sheer volume of celestial objects and infectious enthusiasm of members make any evening at the observatory a unique, slightly romantic and profoundly memorable experience.

“Many people who have never looked through a telescope before are absolutely amazed and delighted when they attend our Star Parties,” Mozer said.

Events are generally scheduled around the first quarter moon or an interesting planetary alignment and begin at sunset. The Wagman Observatory will be hosting Star Parties on Sept. 15 and 29 and Oct. 20 and 27. However, all events operate weather permitting and interested parties are encouraged to call the Wagman Observatory at 724-224-2510 for weather and scheduling updates.

Directions to all AAAP locations can be found on the group’s website, www.3ap.org. And their only request: Please enter the observatory parking lot with driving lights only. Headlights obstruct the view of the stars.